A spectacular rebirth: Madagascar at the Afrobasket 2025
The Afrobasket 2025 tournament, organized in Angola, unveiled an unexpected reality: Madagascar, long perceived as an outsider, is now a major revelation. Established in a sporting context marked by structural difficulties and limited resources, the Malagasy team has been able to show exemplary tenacity, transporting with it unexpected collective enthusiasm. For the first time in several years, the African national selection of Madagascar scored its name on the continental scene, fueling a real craze both among local supporters and throughout African basketball.
This renewal is part of a broader development logic, where perseverance, discipline and innovative strategies play a crucial role. Faced with giants like Nigeria or Tunisia, the Malagasy have shown that it was possible to challenge, even to surprise, these historical powers. The symbolism goes beyond simple competition: it is an affirmation of the sports potential of Madagascar, mobilizing various spheres, in particular local and international sponsors such as Nike or Canal+ Africa, which invest in the visibility and the training of this promising young generation. This course, marked by a notable progression, exemplifies the ability to resilient Malagasy sport in a complex economic and social context.
Basketball structural issues in Madagascar
For several decades, basketball in Madagascar has been facing a set of structural challenges that have slowed its development. The weakness of the infrastructure, often dilapidated, limits training and regular practice to a large number of young people. The land available in rural areas are rare, poorly maintained or little secure, which hinders the growth of a pool of competitive players. In addition, the lack of public and private investments, contrasting with other disciplines such as football or rugby, often obliges clubs to tinker with precarious means.
Human resources are also a major issue: few specialized training or professional coaching structures exist locally. The majority of coaches are faced with a lack of continuous training and updating modern techniques. This precarious situation constitutes a real obstacle to progression on the international scene, because young talents are struggling to reach a high competitive level. Private initiatives, such as the partnership between Nike and local academies, try to provide innovative solutions, but their impact is still limited to the extent of the problem.
| Major challenges of Malagasy basketball in 2025 | Description |
|---|---|
| Failland infrastructure | Dilapidated land, few furnished spaces, limited activities |
| Lack of training | Unqualified coaches, absence of high -level centers |
| Insufficient financing | Limited private investments, dependence on external aid |
| Low visibility | No or little local media coverage, low attractiveness |
| Social repercussions | Sport is struggling to play a driving role in youth and insertion |
Madagascar’s unpublished performance during qualification in 2025
The major turning point was the historic qualification for the final phase of Afrobasket, a first for 14 years for Madagascar – represented a crucial step in the recognition of the Malagasy potential. The success of this qualification is based on exemplary collective mobilization and a carefully developed strategy. The qualification match against Egypt, in particular, made the minds: an unexpected victory of 82-80 after a fierce fight, illustrating the tenacity and the tactical discipline of the team.
This victory had a national impact, galvanizing all the actors of Malagasy basketball. It was also relayed by various media, notably Fiba, thus testifying to a renewed interest in the discipline. Subsequently, the Malagasy selection was able to confirm its performance during the tournament, by competing with teams as formidable as Tunisia or Nigeria.
Key players and their role in the emergence of Madagascar
The unexpected success of Madagascar is also based on a nucleus of talented and determined players, often from the local league but also the invalidation of a strategic transfer abroad. The captain, considered as the pillar of defense and team cohesion, embodies the combative spirit and the discipline that the Malagasy context aspires to transmit to a whole youth.
Among these emblematic figures, some have evolved within European or American clubs, thus strengthening their experience and their technical level. Their presence on the African prosecution has enabled Madagascar to compete with nations strongly equipped with human resources, such as Cameroon or Egypt. The Malagasy Basketball Federation is increasing its efforts to identify, train and motivate these talents, notably with a strategic partnership with Totalenergies or Telma, which finance the creation of sports academies in several regions.
| Key players from Madagascar | Role and contribution |
|---|---|
| Mpitovo Rasolofo | Captain, leader in defense and cohesion |
| Radoelisoa Randriamanampisoa | Versatile, playmaker, structuring the offensive game |
| Hasina Mahazo | Pivotal wing, noted for its specific speed and shots |
| Jean-Manuel Ravaonirina | Young talent formed in Europe, providing experience and creativity |
| Jules Andrianjaka | Promising young leader, future pillar of the selection |
The socio-economic role of sport in national reconstruction
More than just competition, Madagascar’s participation in Afrobasket 2025 illustrates the essential role of sport in social cohesion and socio-economic development. In this period of economic and political crises, basketball becomes a vector of hope, especially for the Malagasy youth who seeks an outlet in front of their daily difficulties.
Local companies such as BNI Madagascar, Air Madagascar or Coca-Cola support this dynamic, by funding infrastructure and training. Their commitment testifies to a desire to make sport a lever for cohesion and integration, making it possible to divert the attention of young people from social issues such as poverty or unemployment.
Sport thus becomes a strategic sector, by allowing the creation of jobs, the valuation of talents and the development of the Malagasy heritage through various community initiatives.
An involvement of partners and the media in Malagasy success
This exceptional course was made possible by a synergy of partners and media, in particular Canal+ Africa, which now broadcasts all the matches of Madagascar on its channels live, contributing to increased visibility. Partners like Orange Madagascar, Toyota, Nike, and Magro also play a key role by providing material and logistical support.
The use of strategic partners also makes it possible to professionalize sports management, to expand media influence and to attract new investors. The media coverage has been considerably intensified, with coverage in particular by RFI, which underlines the collective commitment to develop basketball in the country.
Future prospects for Malagasy basketball after 2025
While Madagascar dared to cross new stages in 2025, the future remains full of promises but also of challenges. The consolidation of this dynamic will depend on an increased investment in training, the modernization of infrastructure and the strengthening of international links. The creation of new sports academies, especially in less urbanized regions, will be decisive.
In addition, the Malagasy Federation could draw inspiration from PA models
R Example, by collaborating with FIBA ​​Africa to set up continuing education programs for local coaches and referees. Participation in regular continental competitions would also strengthen the credibility and level of the national team.
| Development axes for Madagascar | Recommended actions |
|---|---|
| Sports infrastructure | Modernization, creation of suitable land, public-private partnership |
| Training and supervision | Continuing education programs, international exchanges, centers of excellence |
| Financial support | Strategic partnerships with BNI Madagascar, Totalenergies, and other local actors |
| Media visibility | National and international media, integration into social and cultural events |
| Community commitment | Social initiatives, school programs, awareness activities |
Frequent questions
1. How did Madagascar managed to qualify for Afrobasket 2025? The qualification was obtained thanks to a collective strategy, intensive preparations and a remarkable victory against experienced teams such as Egypt, illustrating their determination and their progress.
2. What are the main challenges to continue to continue the progression of Malagasy basketball? The modernization of infrastructure, strengthening training, increased budget and media visibility remain the major challenges to ensure the sustainability of progress made.
3. What impact does this participation have on Malagasy youth? She inspires confidence, motivates to further integrate sport into everyday life and encourages young talents to engage in discipline, while promoting a feeling of national unity.
Source: www.rfi.fr
